For more than a decade, ASSH members have participated in our Traveling Fellows Program, which opens the facilities of our members to fellows from around the globe. Each year, up to 10 traveling fellows are chosen to make these visits and attend the ASSH Annual Meeting free of charge. Since 2000, we have hosted fellows from 13 different countries!

This program could not be possible without the volunteerism of our ASSH members. More than 70 of you have volunteered to host a traveling fellow in the past. For those of you who have yet to do so, I encourage you to join our host list and help ASSH strengthen our international relationships.

These visits are rewarding for both the host and the traveling fellow. In the two weeks before and the two weeks after Annual Meeting, the traveling fellows will stop by multiple facilities to learn and observe from the best. ASSH members have no financial obligation.

The 2014 ASSH Traveling Fellows Program application period has already begun! Those selected will begin sifting through our host list this Spring. Be sure to join the list by April 25.

This morning, by a vote of 237 to 182, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of H.R. 4105, the "SGR Repeal and Medicare Provider Payment Modernization Act of 2014." The bill includes the bicameral, bipartisan framework for eliminating the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, and a budgetary offset that would delay Affordable Care Act penalties for five years for individuals who do not purchase health insurance.

In a written statement, AMA President Ardis Dee Hoven, MD said of this latest development, "AMA will continue to work with Congressional leaders to get us to the finish line in enacting a solution based on a framework that both chambers and the President can accept. Continuing the cycle of kicking the can down the road through temporary patches in the months ahead simply wastes more taxpayer money to preserve a bad policy of Congress’ own making."

Have you released a carpal tunnel and the patient is still experiencing symptoms? Have patients come to you because of a failed carpal tunnel release that was done elsewhere? Our next Online Consultation Corner Webinar, Failed Carpal Tunnel Release, brings an expert panel together to discuss the workup and treatment of these patients.

The discussion will include:

consideration of alternate diagnoses

the role of imaging and other diagnostic tests

treatment options

This is a complimentary member benefit, so register now and submit your case for our panelists to review and discuss live at the webinar.

Register for the 2014 Self-Assessment Exam, ASSH’s premiere self-study tool. The exam comprehensively covers upper extremity surgical knowledge, from the basics through the very latest developments and concepts in the field. With the open-book format and test-pausing capabilities, you will have the autonomy to absorb the material at your own pace, on your own schedule, from anywhere you have internet access. Learn more and register. Registration Deadline: April 2.

Our online exam enables you to:

Take the exam up to three times to meet the minimum passing score of 50%.

Access many images and videos for an enhanced test experience.

Pause the test at any time and save your progress.

See answers and full discussion immediately after completing the test.

Are you interested in volunteering abroad? Health Volunteers Overseas is offering three opportunities relevant to hand and upper-extremity specialists:

Hand SurgeryHonduras
Volunteers needed for a one week assignment in October 2014. Volunteers may be board certified in orthopaedics, plastic surgery or general surgery. Contact their program department for more information.

OrthopaedicsChina
Sub-specialists needed for 2-4 week assignments in fall 2014. Please contact their program department for more information.

Explore career opportunities anytime of the day or night with JobTarget. Visit the ASSH Online Career Center at jobs.assh.org. The site, which is being upgraded to improve the user experience, offers a host of services for various needs:

Job Seekers

Post an anonymous resume

View jobs

Create a Job Alert, and new jobs that match your search will be emailed to you

Create a Job Seeker Account

Employers/Recruiters

Post a job

View resumes

Utilize recruitment products

In addition to helping job seekers and employers/recruiters, the Job Board can even help you sell your practice.

In 2013, AFSH received donations from 537 donors. ASSH has over 3,500 members. Which group are you in? Visit www.afsh.org/donate now to support the Foundation that supports the future of our specialty.